National Family Week Set for November 18-24, 2007

This Thanksgiving week the citizens of the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area will join thousands of people across the United States during the annual National Family Week, to celebrate the connections they have with their families and communities. Heartland Family Service, a local member of the Alliance for Children and Families, is coordinating activities at a local level. Individuals and organizations are invited to participate through a variety of free opportunities, including simple endorsements, displaying posters, incorporating newsletter fillers, distributing Family Report Cards, broadcasting email “tips” to staff or family, or by publicizing their family events to be held in November.

National Family Week: Connections Count embraces the premise that children live better lives when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks, and services. These "connections," celebrated during National Family Week, include access to reliable transportation, employment opportunities, education, childcare, and support from community networks and institutions.

Nebraska and Iowa governors have proclaimed Family Week in their states for a number of years. In addition, twelve local mayors have signed a joint Family Week proclamation since about 1990.

To find out more about how you or your organization can participate locally, contact info@heartlandfamilyservice.org. Organizations and businesses, large and small, are encouraged to participate by completing a National Family Week Participation Form to request free information and materials to educate employees and customers regarding the strengths of a healthy family.